Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The College of Physicians of Philadelphia Building
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 7, 2020
1. The College of Physicians of Philadelphia Building Marker
of Philadelphia Building
has been designated a
National Historic Landmark
This site possesses national significance in commemorating the history of the United States of America
This Cope and Stewardson building, an exceptional example of the Beaux-Arts style, houses the oldest private medical society in the United States. Its members, leading American physicians, surgeons, and other practitioners, have made distinguished contributions to medical research, practice and education.
National Park Service
United States Department of the Interior
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 2008.
Location. 39° 57.198′ N, 75° 10.604′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Rittenhouse Square. It is on South 22nd Street just north of Ranstead Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address:
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Benjamin Rush Medicinal Plant Garden (a few steps from this marker); Ginger (a few steps from this marker); Plant As Medicine (a few steps from this marker); Philadelphia Horticulture and the College (a few steps from this marker); Okra (within shouting distance of this marker); Medical Aloe (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Benjamin Rush Medicinal Plant Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Benjamin Rush Medicinal Plant Garden (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 7, 2020
2. The College of Physicians of Philadelphia Building Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. Benjamin Rush Medicinal Plant Garden (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Ginger (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Also see . . . The College of Physicians of Philadelphia... (Historic American Buildings Survey). "Significance: Built in 1909, the College of Physicians of Philadelphia is a two-story structure primarily of red brick, rusticated limestone and trim. The main entrance is located on 22nd Street, between Market and Chestnut streets, in Philadelphia, and it is surrounded by a wrought iron fence with brick piers. The building houses one of the oldest medical research collections in the nation open to the public. The collection in the Mutter Museum consists primarily of preserved specimens, medical models, and surgical tools." - HABS (Submitted on March 8, 2020.)
Postcard Photographed & Publ. by K. F. Lutz, Philadelphia (courtesy of Free Library of Philadelphia), circa 1958
3. College of Physicians of Philadelphia
Obverse of postcard: "College of Physicians of Philadelphia 15-19 South 22nd Street Founded 1787 The College moved into this building, constructed for its use, in 1909. It contains in addition to the noted library, the Mόtter Museum of Anatomy and Pathology, lecture halls and study rooms, as well as historic portraits and other memorabilia of famous medical men."
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 2, 2022
5. The College of Physicians of Philadelphia Building Marker
Dedication plaque in the garden in memory of those who are represented in the museum.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 24, 2025
6. Inside the building is a display naming the founders, benefactors and presidents of the college
Credits. This page was last revised on January 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 575 times since then and 141 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 8, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on March 8, 2020. 4, 5. submitted on April 6, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 6. submitted on January 26, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
